With the holiday season behind us and summer still a few months away, it’s time to start planning for one of the most exciting vacation periods of the year: spring break. Spring break is a popular time for students and families to take a break and enjoy some time off. And with the scattered scheduling of spring break recess nationwide, there are plenty of opportunities to cash in your points and miles and save big on a beach getaway, even if you book at the last minute. In this article, we’ll explore some of our favorite flight and hotel award redemptions for an unforgettable spring break trip.
Miami is a quintessential destination for a lively spring break experience. With events like Miami Music Week and the Miami Beach Gay Pride festival happening during spring, it’s an exciting time to visit the city. Luckily, there are plenty of fabulous points hotels right in the heart of South Beach, and finding award flights to Miami is relatively easy.
American Airlines currently offers flights to Miami from just 17,000 AAdvantage miles round-trip. These low fares are available from cities nationwide, including New York City and Los Angeles. United Airlines also offers similarly priced award flights to Miami, starting around 7,700 points for a one-way flight from Newark and 8,700 points from Chicago. Delta Air Lines prices its awards more dynamically, with the lowest fares starting at 12,000 SkyMiles round-trip from New York’s JFK Airport.
When it comes to hotels in Miami, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can get great value from your Marriott Bonvoy points by staying at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which offers beautiful rooms and delicious food and drink options. The Miami Beach Edition and the renovated W South Beach are also excellent options for those looking for a more modern and stylish stay. For budget-conscious travelers, the Moxy Miami South Beach offers rooms at a lower redemption rate. Hilton Honors fans can consider the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach. And for the best points redemption in Miami, World of Hyatt’s The Confidante Miami Beach is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a spring break destination that doesn’t require a passport, San Juan in Puerto Rico is an excellent choice. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, Americans don’t need a passport to enter. There are nonstop flights to San Juan from major cities like New York, Chicago, and Dallas. Award flights to San Juan can be booked with airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest, with prices ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 points round-trip.
In terms of hotels in San Juan, there are several options to choose from. The La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, located on Condado Beach, offers five restaurants, three swimming pools, and a casino. The AC Hotel San Juan Condado is another great option, featuring a stunning rooftop pool. Hilton Honors loyalists have various options, including the Condado Plaza Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Juan, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan Hotel and Casino, and the Hampton Inn and Suites San Juan. World of Hyatt points can be used at the Hyatt House San Juan or Hyatt Place San Juan.
If you’re looking to indulge in postcard-worthy beaches, Jamaica is the perfect destination. While most resorts in Jamaica are family-friendly, there are also options for adults and relaxation. American Airlines offers the most availability to Jamaica, with round-trip award flights starting at just 18,000 miles. Delta and United also offer award flights to Jamaica, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 miles round-trip.
In terms of hotels in Jamaica, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. The Caves, located in Negril, is a luxurious option for travelers looking for a unique and indulgent experience. Other popular options include Sandals Montego Bay, Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, and Half Moon. These resorts offer a range of activities and amenities, ensuring that you’ll have a fantastic spring break getaway.
Overall, spring break is a great time to cash in your points and miles and save big on a beach getaway. Whether you’re looking for a lively experience in Miami, a passport-free trip to San Juan, or a relaxing vacation in Jamaica, there are plenty of options available to suit every traveler’s preferences. So start planning your spring break trip now and make the most of your points and miles.